Mangalore, 31 Jan 2012: Have a ’dollu hotte’ (big stomach) and have no qualms in flaunting it? While cardiologists may frown as it puts additional pressure on the heart, fret not! At least in the short run it would fetch you a prize at ’Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Kreedotsava-2’ that gets underway near Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Temple, Badaga Yedapadav, Mijar near here from February 17. This is one among 40 village games in 64 categories with prize money of over Rs 9 lakh.
With the first edition of these village games held last year drawing overwhelming response, the organisers have added innovative games to the second edition - Dollu Hotte being one among them. "The person who has the biggest measured stomach takes home the prize," says Mahesh Nayak, media advisor. "The idea is to involve all local villagers and this competition does not require any special skills and could throw up some pot bellies," he notes.
"So far we have received about 300 entries and we hope this time the participation will be much more than last year," said Vijaynath Shetty, chief organizer of Kreedotsava. After the unprecedented success of the event last year, the organizers have included many more games to reach out to more number of village people. The winners, Vijaynath said, will take home prize money aggregating to over Rs 9 lakh along with gold, silver and bronze medals.
There is also a prize of Rs 1 lakh awaiting the best village to foster village identity for the teams; Vijaynath said adding that Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda has consented to inaugurate the event on February 17. It is not all about games. Entertainment shows in the form of magic show by Kuddroli Ganesh, a talent competition based on TV reality show and live concert by singer Raghu Dixit are in the schedule for those flocking to this village.
Other competitions lined up include kesarugadde ota (Slush field Race), kesarugadde hagga jaggata (Tug of War), kesarugadde nidhi shoda, naisargika dehadadya (Natural Body building), cycle race, filling water in vessel which were popular last year will be continued this year too. These apart, interesting new items like paduke ota (cater pillar race), marakalu ota, angai kalaga (arm wrestling), are added to bring variety and attract more talent.
Other types of rural talents that will be tested include rangoli, mundasu kattuvudu (turban tying), beedi rolling, mudi kattuvudu (Mudi rice packing) and thengina gari vinyasa (coconut leaf design).
Last date for submitting entry forms is February 10 by 8 pm. Entry Forms are available at temple office: Shasthavu Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Temple, Badaga Yedapadav, Mijar. Call: Shubash Rao - 9742976886 or Radhakrishna Kotian - 9902965238.